I keep seeing on my blog stats that readers still want to know what’s going on with the ex-ME Cancun/ex-Melody Maker resort in Cancun’s Hotel Zone…the answer is that I do not know what’s going on with the much anticipated opening of this resort as the Armar House which is now owned by Marriott.
I often forget this Hotel Zone all-inclusive even exists. Atelier bought it around 2016 and completely renovated it to reopen in 2017–perhaps you remember this property by its various prior names of Hotetur, BelleVue Beach Paradise, or Hotel Yalmakan?
Looks like a date has been announced for the ex-Secrets Capri resort–it’s now called Hyatt Zilara Riviera Maya and it’s scheduled to open Dec. 1, 2022. You can book the adults-only fully renovated resort and get rates for as low as $149 p/person p/night if you book by June 30, 2022 for travel starting Dec. 1, 2022.
Aerial view of the new Royalton Splash
When Hyatt took over Secrets Silversands, they not only renovated the resort but they also added a water park. The water park is comprised of two sections–one for little ones with smaller waterslides, and the other section with lengthier waterslides for both kids and adults. The water park is located on the south side of the resort.
While Hyatt Ziva Riviera Cancun officially opened to guests in Sept. 2021, there were some amenities and services that were not yet available to vacationers. Christine Turner, a Canadian travel agent, made her second trip to the resort and has posted a short video updating resort information.
Wyndham has opened its first Alltra all-inclusive resort in the Riviera Maya. It used to be a Panama Jack resort before the buyout, so it’s not a brand new build. It has a perfect location in Playa de Carmen–just on the south edge of famous 5th Ave for shopping, dining, bars, and nightlife, and walking distance to the Cozumel ferry.
One of the things I’ve found to be outstanding about the rebranded Hyatt Ziva Riviera Cancun is the number of food and drink options available. There are at least seven restaurants serving a variety of meals (some serve a more buffet style breakfast and lunch while serving a la carte dinners with a specific theme), four various smaller food “shops” serving a small number of specific food options, and some bars which serve both drinks and snacks. There are also “pop-up” food stations as well.
The Wyndham hotel brand name is partnering with Playa Hotels and Resorts to rebrand two all-inclusive resorts in Cancun and the Riviera Maya. Continue reading
Margaritaville Island Reserve Riviera Cancun is Karisma’s first partnership with the Jimmy Buffett hotel brand–I believe it is the very first Jimmy Buffett all-inclusive resort anywhere. This resort used to be known as Azul Beach Resort (Azul is Karisma’s family-friendly resort brand name); the resort reopened after a huge renovation but unfortunately it reopened right before the pandemic hit. It has been a slow start for them, but it looks like they are finally settling into their resort “groove”.